MXT GB and tracking????

[Crusty]

I have a question about the MXT's GB and tracking.
I do understand how the GB and tracking work but I'm confused as to why I have to GB before I start detecting even if I'm using tracking (toggle set to Ground)?
It would seem to me that with ground tracking on I could just start detecting and within a few seconds the MXT would track the ground and adjust the GB accordingly.
I guess I just don't see why I need to manually GB at the beginning when the GB tracking will be adjusting the GB every second anyways.

Maybe I'm missing something.
This is my first Whites machine so I'll probably come across some more questions as I read more about this MXT. This forum has been a great help so far.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[BarberBill]

I've taken off without bobbing the coil to GB many times with no ill effect. The machine does balance itself within a swing or two. That said, I often do the GB thing, then set the switch to lock. Setting the switch to lock prevents the MXT from trying to balance to any target rather than the ground when you try to pinpoint or hesitate over the target for a bit too long. It is a good idea to repeat this from time to time as the ground can change over a few yards.
BB

 

[floridason]

I agree with BarberBill, sometimes the ground will do funny things to your GB and as said it will settle out most of the time within a few feet. Then again as BB says the ground can change within a few feet also. Most of the time(since it only takes a few seconds to do so) I GB my machine when I go (like from sand to wood chips in a tot lot) I stop, GB it and go on. I'm so used to doing that as described in Jeff Fishers MXT Edge book that I do it all the time. Thanks for looking and HH
KC

floridason retired
2 MXT's, DX-1, lotsa coils

 

[Old Katz]

It was mu understanding that the GB was crucial when you hit nasty mineralized
ground or if your were going to be in an area known for bad ground. I live in an area where the
ground is relatively mild and usually can start detecting from the get go.
Katz

 

[Larry (IL)]

I think a ground balance is crucial in all types of ground. That is how the detector establishes a "baseline" to compare all other targets, otherwise it would see the ground as a target too.

 

[bowser]

i never tried gb because i thought it was automatic,does the balance change on high school fields or just rougher terrains. thanks jim

 

[BarberBill]

Depends on the model of detector. Some are true automatic as they adjust to the ground as it changes during your hunting. Some are factory preset to what's usually a workable average, but don't change as the ground changes and must be adjusted either internally or through a small hole in the case. Sometimes these are referred to as "automatic", but actually aren't. Still others have a manual ground balance that is set by adjusting an external knob as one raises and lowers the coil towards the ground.
When an even (threshold) sound is obtained, the detector is in balance with the ground in that particular area. To some extent in all soils a well matched ground balance will give the best depth, but as the ground becomes more mineralized, the more crucial a good working ground balance becomes for maximum performance.

The M6, MXT, DFX, V3, and the Prizm 6T all have true automatic ground balance (tracking) so if you're using one of those, you don't need to be particularly concerned about ground tracking if the detector is working properly. As I mentioned in my earlier post, sometimes it is beneficial once the detector is balanced to lock the setting so the detector doesn't attempt to balance to iron trash or other mineralization in the area being hunted.

In milder (soil wise) locations, the preset machines can do quite well, but can sometimes offer very disappointing results in more mineralized location. This shouldn't be taken as too severe a criticism because they serve many detectorists quite well and offer the quickest, easiest turn on and go operation. I've made many finds in our local parks with that type of machine.

The manual ground balance machines take a few extra seconds to set up and go, but the manual ground balance offers very good performance when set right. However, improperly set, it can degrade performance by a good bit as well. However, many detectorists are put off by, or don't care to fool with the manual balancing so it behooved the manufacturers to develop true automatic ground tracking to appeal to that group and also to offer detectors that are operating at their best performance level as the coil passes over changing ground.
BB

 

[Larry (IL)]

A great post Bill.......

Getting back to basics is something we don't do enough of.